How to Renew Your Alabama Driver's License

Where to renew your Alabama driver's license

You can renew your Alabama driver's license in person at any Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) driver's license office, or online through the state's website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is the most straightforward if your license is expiring soon or has already expired.

To find the office nearest you, visit the Alabama DPS website and use their office locator tool. Most cities have at least one location, and larger areas have multiple offices. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices accept them to reduce wait times — call ahead to ask whether your local office takes reservations.

Key Takeaways

Alabama lets you renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
In-person renewal at a DPS office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed process form.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days of renewal, so renew before your current license expires if you need it for travel or identification.
The renewal fee in Alabama is $24.50 for a four-year license or $36.75 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.

What documents you need to bring

For in-person renewal, bring your current Alabama driver's license and one document that proves your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your current address also works.

You will also need to complete Form DL-44, the Alabama driver's license process. You can fill this out before you arrive or at the office itself. If your name or address has changed since your last renewal, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change.

Renewing online instead of in person

Alabama's online renewal system is available if all of the following are true: your current license has not expired, you have no medical restrictions or special conditions on your license, your name and address have not changed, and you are renewing a standard (non-commercial) license. You must also have a valid email address on file.

To renew online, go to the Alabama DPS website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is the same as in-person renewal — $24.50 for four years or $36.75 for eight years — and you pay by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license within 7 to 10 business days.

If you do not meet these conditions, you must renew in person. This includes anyone with a commercial driver's license (CDL), anyone who has changed their name or address, or anyone with medical restrictions noted on their license.

Timeline and when your new license arrives

Whether you renew online or in person, your new physical license is mailed to you — it does not print at the office. After you complete your renewal, allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery. If you need your license for travel or identification before it arrives, ask the DPS office for a temporary paper license at the time of renewal.

Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even after you have renewed. This means if you renew early, your old license is still good until that date. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Alabama charges $24.50 for a four-year driver's license renewal or $36.75 for an eight-year renewal. You choose which term you want when you renew. At an in-person office, you can pay with cash, check, or card. For online renewal, you must pay by credit or debit card.

Some DPS offices may charge an additional fee if you need a duplicate license or a corrected license in the same visit. Ask about this when you arrive or call ahead to confirm the total cost.

What happens if your license has already expired

You can still renew an expired Alabama driver's license, but you cannot use it for identification or driving until the renewal is complete. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to take a written test and vision test in addition to renewing. Call your local DPS office to ask whether a test is required for your situation.

An expired license cannot be renewed online — you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of current address, and a completed Form DL-44.

Commercial driver's licenses and special endorsements

If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or have special endorsements (such as for hazardous materials), you cannot renew online and must renew in person at a DPS office. You will need to pass a medical examination and provide the Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) at the time of renewal.

Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, your medical certificate, and a completed Form DL-44. The renewal process takes longer than a standard license renewal because of the medical requirements, so plan for a longer office visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations?

Alabama may suspend or deny your license renewal if you have outstanding child support obligations or certain unpaid court fines. Contact your local DPS office or the court that issued the fine to find out whether a suspension is in place. You will need to resolve the issue before your renewal can be completed.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You can still renew even without your current license in hand. Bring your proof of residency, a completed Form DL-44, and a government-issued ID if you have one. The DPS office can look up your license record in their system. You may also want to report the lost license to the office at the time of renewal.

How long does my renewed license last?

You choose either a four-year or eight-year renewal term when you renew. Your new license will expire on the date printed on it — four or eight years from the date of renewal, depending on which term you selected.

Can I renew my license by mail?

Alabama does not offer mail-in renewal. You must renew either online (if you meet the conditions) or in person at a DPS office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal, since you do not have to visit an office.

What if my address changed but I do not have a recent utility bill?

Bring whatever proof of your current address you have — a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. If you cannot provide any of these, ask the DPS office what other documents they will accept. Some offices may allow a signed affidavit of residency if you have no other proof available.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.